Holidays are an especially hard time for deployed military service members and their families. The long separation, missing birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays tells how real the sacrifice is to those serving in our military – Navy, Army, Marines and Coast Guard.
You can help by sending greeting cards, letters of appreciation, or postcards. You may also want to send care packages that include a little more than just a greeting.
Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes Program
The Red Cross collects and distributes holiday cards to American service members, veterans and their families in the United States and around the world.
Tips When Writing Out Holiday Cards for the Military
- Use generic salutations such as “Dear Service Member.” Cards addressed to specific individuals can not be delivered through this program.
- Only cards are being accepted. Do not send letters.
- Do not include email or home addresses on the cards, as the program is not meant to foster pen pal relationships.
- Do not include inserts of any kind, including photos, as these items will be removed during the reviewing process.
- Each card does not need its own envelope, as cards will be removed from all envelopes before distribution
- Do not send cards with glitter. Many of these cards will be delivered to military and veterans medical facilities and the glitter could interfere with a patient’s recovery
There is no longer a national P.O. Box for the program. Instead, Holiday Mail for Heroes is being conducted at the Red Cross office in your local community. Check with your local Red Cross for times and locations of events and for opportunities to get involved.
For more information visit www.redcross.org/holidaymail
Connect with fellow card senders through social media channels and help us get the word out through Facebook and Twitter. Be sure to use the hashtag #holidaymail #GiveWithMeaning
If you are interested in helping sort and deliver cards, please contact a participating chapter in your area to see how you can help.
How can people support other Red Cross programs that help members of the military and their families?
Supporting Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces work is simple and we encourage you to make a financial donation by donating online or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
The Any Soldier Program
This site originally started to help out a specific unit in the Army and that is why they use the word soldier. Today it is for ANY soldier whether in the Army (Soldiers), Marines, Navy Sailors) or Air Force (Airmen).
To participate you select one or more Soldiers from the Where to Send page. You will notice the Soldier’s address includes the line, “ATTN: Any Soldier®” . The Soldiers are volunteers for this effort, they will see the “Attn” line, and will put your letters and packages into the hands of Soldiers who don’t get much or any mail. This effort is 110% voluntary.
Any Soldier provides help on the What to Send and How to Send pages.
You send your support, and maybe some stuff, directly to whatever unit or units you want, you don’t send us anything. PLEASE read the entire web site before you send anything as we want you to be informed and comfortable with this effort.
AnySoldier.com is an ongoing effort and not just for the holidays so take a look and see how you can participate throughout the year.
Wreaths Across America
Wreaths Across America’s mission, Remember, Honor, Teach, is carried out in part by coordinating wreath laying ceremonies on the second Saturday of December at Arlington, as well as veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond.
Get involved or sponsor a wreath, find a location near you.
Dollar Tree Care Packages
Looking for ways to honor and support the service men and women, both active duty and veterans, who protect our security and defend our freedom? Show your support with care packages filled with necessities, snacks, and fun activities
Soldiers appreciate basic hygiene items such as soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, razors, shave cream, hand sanitizer, body lotion, and lip balm. Extra socks are also always welcomed.- No care package for a soldier would be complete without some snacks such as crackers, water, beef jerky, chips, nuts, and more.
- Antibacterial wipes or baby wipes are a great item — they use them to clean themselves and their weapons.
- Tuck in some pain reliever such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or Aleve®.
- Add some items for relaxation and fun such as playing cards, pens, paper, word finds, and more. “AA” batteries are also great for CD players, flashlights, and other portable devices.
- Seal items in zip-seal bags. This will help keep sand out and contents sealed in… very useful in case something leaks during shipping.
- Drop in a note of encouragement, reminding them that someone is thinking about and supporting them.
Do you know of other organizations that participate in sending letters, packages and donations to the troops?
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